In "Lee" the Supreme Court determined that "including clergy who offer prayers as part of an official public school graduation is forbidden by the Establishment Clause." Confusion arises over whether the Court decision determined "what" cannot be done or "who" cannot do it. Surveyed 10 Kentucky school…

Last May, the full 11th Circuit Court upheld a school board policy in Duval County, Fla., that permits graduating senior to select a student volunteer to deliver an uncensored "message" during graduation ceremonies. Argues the title, historical context, and content of the policy clearly suggest that school officials sought a way to…

Fragmented federal court decisions about graduation prayer and the strong public interest in this issue call for the Supreme Court to step in to clarify the law. Summarizes court decisions on this topic. (MLF)

The purpose of the research was to provide practitioners in the public schools with an empirical basis for their efforts to find the proper place of religious ritual and instruction in the school setting. This paper analyzes two Supreme Court decisions regarding prayer and Bible reading in the public schools: (1) "Engel v. Vitale"; and…

To uphold constitutionally approved teaching about religion (and refrain from unconstitutional religious indoctrination), schools are advised to adopt an approach that is academic, not devotional. Other responsibilities include, making sure that students' beliefs--especially those who are not religious or are otherwise in the minority--are never…

The Supreme Court ruling that public school officials can search a student is examined. Two upcoming Supreme Court cases regarding whether a school board can refuse to hire a homosexual teacher and the constitutionality of an Alabama law that allows for a minute of silence for voluntary prayer or meditation are also discussed. (RM)

Discusses court decisions on the rights of religious groups to rent public school facilities and to distribute religious literature on public school grounds. Compares decisions and reasoning in U.S. appellate courts and the Supreme Court. Predicts that the relationship between religion and public education will continue to evolve. (DK)

Intended to provide school officials an understanding of the legal aspects of common religious liberty and church-state questions in the public school context, this pamphlet attempts an objective summary of the current status of church-state law as it applies to the public schools. The document seeks to catalogue objectively the law as found in…

Organizations that span the ideological, religious, and political spectrum stand together as they make this a statement of consensus on current law regarding religion in public schools. Each organization professes a commitment to the freedom of religious practice and the separation of church and state that such freedom requires. The statement is…

This anthology is one of four collections of background readings on church-state issues that comprise "Church, State and the First Amendment: A North Carolina Dialogue." These anthologies are designed to provide primary materials through which North Carolinians can better understand the religion clause of the First Amendment. Volume 4 of…

Filing a lawsuit against a school district often means challenging the core values of a community. Cases discussed include a suit to prevent the broadcasting of morning prayers in school ("Herdahl"), a suit over the singing of a religious song ("Bauchman"), and drug-use testing for student athletes ("Acton"). (MLF)

An examination of the constitutionality of team prayer shows that pregame prayers violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, and their use can lead to liability problems for both coaches and school boards. Advises school boards to adopt policies specifically prohibiting team prayers. (MLF)

Reviews current Supreme Court doctrine as tested in lower federal and state courts in three areas in which public schools are involved. Examines Court decisions on silent meditation, equal access, and baccalaureate and commencement services. Finds the issues have not been fully resolved. (DB)

Judges have interpreted the First Amendment as forbidding the establishment of religion by the state and guaranteeing free exercise of individual religious liberty. The two clauses require public school officials to adopt a position of neutrality with regard to religion in the school setting. Educators must walk a fine line, accommodating…

Contends that all of the U.S. Supreme Court Justices in 1947 agreed that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment erected a wall of separation between church and state. Reviews Establishment Clause history, includes summaries of court opinions, and concludes that a more thorough curriculum about the wall of separation is needed. (CFR)